Rite of Election 2017

The first Sunday in Lent saw the Cathedral Church of St. Mary’s, Newcastle packed with people from all over the diocese to witness the Rite of Election.

At this rite, upon the testimony of sponsors and catechists and the catechumens' (or candidates’) affirmation of their intention to join the Church, the Church makes its "election" of these catechumens to receive the Sacraments of Initiation. The candidates were welcomed by Bishop Séamus Cunningham as they signed their names in the Book of Elect. They now begin a Period of Purification and Enlightenment — the final, intense preparation for the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation.